Cooler than ever

by Mimi Montgomery

The Wolfpack is back. Reynolds Coliseum reopens this month after a $35 million, 18-month-long renovation.

The home of N.C. State women’s basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, and volleyball now includes new hospitality and concessions areas, merchandise stands, restrooms, LED sport lighting, and seating reduced from 8,300 to 6,000 for a more intimate atmosphere. Fewer seats also mean freed-up space for a new N.C. State Athletics Walk of Fame and History, which will host exhibits celebrating Wolfpack sports and history. Even cooler? The coliseum will now have air conditioning for the first time in its 67-years.

Named after William Neal Reynolds, one of the five founding brothers of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, the coliseum was built on Central Campus in 1949. It has housed two NCAA champion basketball teams, countless tournaments, presidential addresses, concerts, and even a lecture by architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Don’t worry: The renovation’s updated aesthetic may be decidedly modern, but the storied character of the space is preserved, with plenty of Wolfpack-centered decor and spirit.

Check it out yourself Sept. 16 at at the Reynolds Coliseum Grand Reopening Gala. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and tours of the new space, followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony and the Hall of Fame Class of 2016 inductions. Inductees include the 1974 national champion men’s basketball team, football player and swimmer Dick Christy, National Lacrosse Hall of Fame member Stan Cockerton, basketball player Linda Page, swimming and diving coach Don Easterling, and multi-sport athlete Dave Robertson.

The Coaches’ Corner will be unveiled that evening, as well. It honors the accomplishments of N.C. State’s most admired coaches. It’s the perfect sporty event to kick off football season. Go Pack!

September 16, 5:30 p.m., $75 adults, $30 ages 17 and under; gopack.com